Incoming BBC chair Samir Shah has indicated the corporation’s finances and independence are at the top of his priority list.
In an internal memo, Shah said his role as chair was to “protect and champion the BBC” and ensure its future.
Of all his responsibilities in the role, the TV executive said “arguably the most important” was to “safeguard its independence.”
The BBC has been embroiled in an ideological battle over impartiality under director general Tim Davie, with some accusing the corporation of inaction in upholding this ideal.
That may change under Shah’s leadership. “It is the duty of the Chair and the Board to protect that independence – and it is a duty I promise to discharge,” he wrote in his email.
Shah, who founded TV production company Juniper, acknowledged that the BBC was also competing with both streamers and social media platforms for eyeballs and that being “the home of the most trusted news across the U.K. and, indeed, the world” was a key part of the broadcaster remaining relevant.
Noting that in future there is inevitably going to be a “national debate” about how to fund the BBC – currently it is funded via a public levy – Shah indicated there is going to be more investment in digital while cautioning employees the corporation will need to “live within our means in a tough financial situation.”
He warned he and the board would have to “confront hard choices and tough decisions.”
Shah was appointed last December following the resignation of former chair Richard Sharp.
